Navigating return-to-campus testing
After pushing back campus move-in by a week, most residential students began moving in today. Here’s what you should expect.
After pushing back campus move-in by a week, most residential students began moving in today. Here’s what you should expect.
Online start, booster requirement for Spring semester
On December 23, an email from President Shirley Ann Jackson detailed policy changes for the upcoming Spring semester. The Spring semester will begin online with in-person instruction starting January 24. All eligible students must receive a booster of the COVID-19 vaccine by January 7. All residential students must have a COVID test 48 hours before arriving on January 17 and heading into a residential hall quarantine.
On December 23, an email from President Shirley Ann Jackson detailed policy changes for the upcoming Spring semester. The Spring semester will begin online with in-person instruction starting January 24. All eligible students must receive a booster of the COVID-19 vaccine by January 7. All residential students must have a COVID test 48 hours before arriving on January 17 and heading into a residential hall quarantine.
Administrative inaction following surge in campus COVID-19 cases
A recent surge in COVID-19 cases following mandatory testing after Thanksgiving Break raised concern within the RPI community. The University Pandemic Protocols state that the Trigger Level 1 protocol should be initiated when more than 30 COVID-19 cases among faculty, staff, or students, within a rolling two-week period, are confirmed among those with campus access.
A recent surge in COVID-19 cases following mandatory testing after Thanksgiving Break raised concern within the RPI community. The University Pandemic Protocols state that the Trigger Level 1 protocol should be initiated when more than 30 COVID-19 cases among faculty, staff, or students, within a rolling two-week period, are confirmed among those with campus access.
Student Life
PSS: Noel from Nason
With finals week looming, Nason Hall has been looking for a way to liven students’ spirits. Over the weekend, several residents pitched in to purchase and decorate a tree that’s now displayed on the building’s north side. The Polytechnic interviewed a few of the main contributors to this project.
Men'S Hockey
Engineers maul the Tigers
Four different Engineers added their names to the scoresheet as Rensselaer defeated the Princeton Tigers 4‒1. The Engineers are currently in fifth place in the ECAC with a record of 4‒4‒0, and are now 7‒8‒2 on the season.
Student Senate
Compost Committee grows new ideas
The Compost Committee gave a presentation that included a goal to install a new compost machine on campus.
Army ROTC heads to West Point
Cadets in Rensselaer’s Army ROTC competed in a national military skills competition, the Ranger Challenge, from October 22 to 24. The Mohawk Battalion, a 12-member team with RPI, Siena College, University of Albany, and Union College cadets, placed second out of 45 teams, qualifying them to compete at the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at West Point for the first time in over ten years.
Opinion
How NASCAR’s Kyle Larson shaped a tale of public redemption
Staff writer Namish Gali '22 writes about NASCAR racer Kyle Larson's controversial past and efforts towards redemption in the public eye.
Men's basketball
Cobleskill clobbered in home opener
For the first time in 30 years, the Engineers racked up over 100 points in their home opener, crushing SUNY Cobleskill 101‒48. Jonny Angbazo ’23, Mason Memmelaar ’22, and Patrick Mahoney ’22 all tallied double-digit points in the victory.
football
Elite Eight Engineers slay Red Dragons
A 42-yard touchdown run from Dylan Burnett ’22 and a late interception by Francis Perry ’22 secured a 21‒14 victory over the No. 13 SUNY Cortland Red Dragons. The No. 18 Engineers are set to face the reigning champion No. 1 North Central College Cardinals in the Elite Eight.
Slack updates, UC budget policy motions unpassed
The Rensselaer Union Executive Board requested additional subsidies to upgrade their Slack platform, but the motion was postponed indefinitely. The Undergraduate Council proposed a bylaw amendment to their budget policy, which failed 2-15-0.
Opening up and getting grounded with OpenCircuits
OpenCircuits, an online circuit designer, is seeing increased usage in classrooms at Rensselaer. Recently, Professor Konstantin Kuzmin decided to use OpenCircuits as his main circuit simulator when teaching Computer Organization. To learn more about the project, The Polytechnic interviewed the OpenCircuits RCOS project team.
Martin A. Schmidt named next president of the Institute
Martin A. Schmidt ’81 has been named the 19th president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Schmidt will assume his position as president from July 1, 2022, succeeding President Shirley Ann Jackson after her 23-year tenure at RPI. Schmidt currently serves as the provost at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Martin A. Schmidt ’81 has been named the 19th president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Schmidt will assume his position as president from July 1, 2022, succeeding President Shirley Ann Jackson after her 23-year tenure at RPI. Schmidt currently serves as the provost at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Men'S Hockey
Blood in the water: Engineers fillet Sharks
The predatory Engineers' power play drew blood as they netted three goals in a 7‒2 victory over the Long Island University Sharks, with ECAC Rookie of the Week John Beaton ’24 scoring the first two goals of his collegiate career. The Engineers’ record now stands at 6‒5‒2.
football
Engineers soar over Gulls into NCAA second round
The Engineers continue their playoff journey as they defeated Endicott College 20‒14. They are set to take on the Cortland Red Dragons in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Executive Board revokes Union membership of policy-violating student
The Union Executive Board revoked the Union membership of a student for violating the Rensselaer Union’s COVID-19 policies. The student, who is currently on their away semester, had been attending various in-person student government meetings and events in violation of the Union’s policy restricting entrance to Union facilities to Rensselaer Community members with campus access.
The Union Executive Board revoked the Union membership of a student for violating the Rensselaer Union’s COVID-19 policies. The student, who is currently on their away semester, had been attending various in-person student government meetings and events in violation of the Union’s policy restricting entrance to Union facilities to Rensselaer Community members with campus access.
FOOTBALL
Engineers crowned Liberty League champions in Shoes victory
The Liberty League title and Dutchman Shoes trophy returned to Troy after Rensselaer defeated Union 19‒17 following a nerve-wracking final minute, capped off by a game-winning field goal from Trevor Bisson ’22. The Engineers will travel to Endicott College to face the Gulls in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Cross Country
Men's team, Goddard Nationals-bound
John Reed (Gr) and Nia Goddard '23 earned Liberty League Performer of the Week as a result of their performance during the NCAA Division III Mideast Cross Country Regional meet. Six Engineers on the Men's team, including Reed, received All-Region honors.
Cooking up solutions for late-night dining
The Student Senate held a presentation to improve late-night dining. A motion was passed to make immediate changes, including collecting student feedback, creating a list of meals for dining staff to make, and investigating changes into U-Cook and Father's Marketplace.
The Student Senate held a presentation to improve late-night dining. A motion was passed to make immediate changes, including collecting student feedback, creating a list of meals for dining staff to make, and investigating changes into U-Cook and Father's Marketplace.
Executive Board
RPI Chess Club becomes Union-funded
The Union Executive Board unanimously approved RPI Chess Club as a Union-funded club. The approval happened over a year after the group initially gained Union recognition.
Executive Board
Union recognizes Positive Psychology Club and Caribbean Students Association
On Thursday, the Union Executive Board approved the Positive Psychology Club as a Union-recognized club, effective immediately. The Caribbean Student Association will become Union-recognized upon approval of a starter constitution by the Club Operations Committee.
On-Campus Event
RPI Players returns to captivate audiences with Clue
Despite the hiatus caused by the pandemic, the RPI Players still deliver with Clue—an infamous mystery story that’s been adapted into countless movies, shows, plays, and a myriad of board games since its inception.
Black Students Alliance
BSA "Busts it Down" and talks identity in October
Rensselaer’s Black Student Alliance had a busy October, from organizing general body meetings, to creating a new event called the Bust It Down Battle. This month so far, BSA celebrated Black Solidarity Day and held a Black-Owned Success Series event.
Riaz Rao appointed Union Annual Report chairperson, Executive Board liaison
Riaz Rao was appointed to serve as Union Annual Report chairperson and Executive Board liaison, adding on to his current role as Senate parliamentarian.
HSAC, MAL, Representative appointments approved
Appointments for the Hospitality and Services Committee, member-at-large, and representative positions were approved within the Student Senate and Executive Board on Tuesday.
Music masks and outdoor volleyball approved
This week, the Executive Board approved a reallocation of funds for the Rensselaer Music Association to purchase new instrument covers, approved Club Volleyball’s outdoor games, and elected Faizah Rabbye ’23 secretary of the Board for the Fall semester.
Kraft, Mac and Cheese: a new era for the Patriots
The last few New England Patriots seasons have been tough to watch for their fans, especially since they got used to the 20-year dynasty with quarterback Tom Brady at the helm. Contributing Editor and Patriots fan Shardul Joshi ’23 recounts the last few seasons for the team and discusses what this season’s performance indicates for the future.
The last few New England Patriots seasons have been tough to watch for their fans, especially since they got used to the 20-year dynasty with quarterback Tom Brady at the helm. Contributing Editor and Patriots fan Shardul Joshi ’23 recounts the last few seasons for the team and discusses what this season’s performance indicates for the future.
Men's Soccer
Semifinal struggle with Saints
This weekend the Engineers faced off against the Saint Lawrence Saints in the Liberty League semifinals, losing 2‒0. Both Raphael Zoccolaro and Robert Reynolds scored for the Saints in the second half, winning the game. The Saints would go on to win the championship game against Ithaca College.
Men'S Hockey
Engineers vanquish Golden Knights in home duel
The Engineers scored two goals in the third period to defeat the Clarkson Golden Knights 3‒1. The Engineers are now 5‒3‒1 in the regular season and 3‒1‒0 in the ECAC.
The Poly's Recommendations
What's The Poly listening to?
Are you looking to spice up your playlist? Don't worry, The Poly's got you covered. Check out our Fall 2021 recommendations below, featuring music from Adele to Modest Mouse.
Editorial Notebook
The wonderful world of SAT solvers
Imagine a circuit designer wants to verify the accuracy of a specific computation before it goes into production. Then, suppose a college is trying to find the best way to schedule all their exams. On the surface, the problems seem pretty different, but the two are both instances of the same problem: SAT, or Boolean satisfiability. Copy Editor Dylan Sheils ’24 explores the algorithmic development of SAT solvers.
Nguyen appointed Marketing and Strategy Committee chair
The Union Executive Board unanimously approved the appointment of Minh Nguyen ’22 as Marketing and Strategy Committee Chair. The position focuses on branding, marketing, and promoting events for the Rensselaer Union.
The Union Executive Board unanimously approved the appointment of Minh Nguyen ’22 as Marketing and Strategy Committee Chair. The position focuses on branding, marketing, and promoting events for the Rensselaer Union.
Men'S Hockey
Dutchmen blackout at the Field House
The Engineers defeated rival Union College 3‒0 in the annual “blackout” game at the Houston Field House. The win completes the season-long sweep over Union and brings RPI’s season record to 4‒2‒1.
FOOTBALL
Bombers grounded by field goal gaffe
The Ithaca Bombers missed a game-tying field goal with 34.1 seconds remaining to give the Engineers a 14‒11 victory. The win increased Rensselaer’s season record to 7‒1 and their league record to 3‒1, setting up a close race for the Liberty League championship title.
Men's Soccer
Engineers to host championship clash for second consecutive season
The Engineers finished top of the Liberty League and are set to host the semifinal and championship games. Rensselaer will play St. Lawrence University on Saturday at 11 am at the East Campus Athletic Village Stadium.
RCOS
A chat with QuACS
With Spring semester course registration right around the corner, many RPI students are trying to put together their course schedules. A popular scheduling tool among RPI students is QuACS, the Questionably Accurate Course Scheduler. To get a better understanding of QuACS, The Polytechnic interviewed the QuACS team.
RPI HISTORY
The forgotten ghosts in the depths of West Hall
West Hall has a reputation at Rensselaer for its otherworldly, cryptic nature, with its eerie and complex history. Staff writer Vaughn Greason ’25 walks through the history of West Hall and what it represents to RPI.
The ghosts of West Hall
Exploring West Hall at night is a rite of passage at RPI. In the newest Poly comic, three students have a strange encounter in the rumored-to-be-haunted building.
Exploring West Hall at night is a rite of passage at RPI. In the newest Poly comic, three students have a strange encounter in the rumored-to-be-haunted building.
Technology
New multi-factor authentication rules to take effect November 1
New multi-factor authentication rules are set to go into effect for all Rensselaer employees beginning November 1. Anyone who has payroll and W2 information in the Self-Service Information System will be counted as an employee. This includes students employed by the Institute. The new protocols will apply to all Institute websites that use the Rensselaer Self Service login.
Derby
The Union: epicenter of administrative overreach
President of the Union Yaseen Mahmoud ’22 discusses the waning self-governance of the Union, emphasizing the erosion of student rights by Rensselaer administrators and higher-ups.
Terriers torn to shreds
Rensselaer beat previously undefeated Boston University in an intense match on October 22, continuing their winning streak. Julia Blitz ’23 clinched the victory with a game-winning wrist shot late into the third period. Rensselaer’s exemplary performance scored them four votes in the USCHO Division I Women’s Poll-October 25, 2021.
Rensselaer beat previously undefeated Boston University in an intense match on October 22, continuing their winning streak. Julia Blitz ’23 clinched the victory with a game-winning wrist shot late into the third period. Rensselaer’s exemplary performance scored them four votes in the USCHO Division I Women’s Poll-October 25, 2021.
Senate approves Judicial Board appointments, seeks new treasurer
The Student Senate approved new Judicial Board appointments on October 19. The J-Board oversees “a huge variety” of cases, ranging from reckless driving to suspending fraternities. The members appointed at this meeting will eventually make the decisions for future cases.
The only things a kitchen needs
To fill the emptiness of having no kitchen as an on-campus student, Copy Coordinator Dylan Le '24 spend hours browsing online for cookware, dishware, glassware, and other food-related implements. His interest is not in gadgets such as strawberry hullers, spiralizers, and air-fryers, but in more classic tools.
RPI TV proposal for student wages denied
RPI TV's proposal suggesting that certain RPI TV members be paid $15 an hour to cover home hockey games during the 2022-23 season was unanimously denied.
RPI TV's proposal suggesting that certain RPI TV members be paid $15 an hour to cover home hockey games during the 2022-23 season was unanimously denied.
Drag fever with Typhoid Mary
Laura Zwirn ’23 and Erik Cross ’23 interview local drag queen Typhoid Mary to learn more about their artistic endeavors and their lived experiences as an artist in Troy.
Laura Zwirn ’23 and Erik Cross ’23 interview local drag queen Typhoid Mary to learn more about their artistic endeavors and their lived experiences as an artist in Troy.
Marketing and Strategy Committee resurrected
The 52nd Student Senate approved changes to the Executive Board’s bylaws on October 5 in order to bring back the Marketing and Strategy Committee, which had been dissolved in 2019.
Confusion surrounds Red Army podcast funding
On Thursday, the Union Executive Board passed RPI Red Army’s proposal for a new podcast, but motioned to postpone a budget reallocation that would cover the cost of a new microphone for the program.
Emergency funds approved for UPAC projector repair
The Union Executive Board approved an emergency subsidy for UPAC's Cinema division via an electronic vote on October 14.
Men'S Hockey
Overtime déjà vu
After thrashing the Canisius Golden Griffins 6‒2 the night prior, the Engineers were defeated 3‒2 in overtime, a callback to their defeat versus Bowling Green last weekend. The Engineers’ season record is now 1‒2‒1.
Field Hockey
Engineers’ winning odyssey ends in Ithaca
After defeating the Sage Colleges and Union College earlier this week, the Engineers were taken down by Ithaca College with a score of 1‒0. The loss broke their five-game winning streak, bringing their season record to 7‒7 and 3‒2 in the Liberty League.
Jackson maskless at D.C. conference
President Shirley Ann Jackson appeared without a mask in Washington, D.C. on September 28 for the Amazon Web Services Summit, while Rensselaer continues to enforce mask mandates and travel restrictions for students.
President Shirley Ann Jackson appeared without a mask in Washington, D.C. on September 28 for the Amazon Web Services Summit, while Rensselaer continues to enforce mask mandates and travel restrictions for students.
Neurodiverse education helps all students
Grand Marshal Cait Bennett ’22 discusses the need for creative classroom solutions to accommodate and encourage neurodiversity on campus.
Borderline brilliance at poetry slam
Talk Without Borders organized Poetry Slam Night, an event aimed towards providing members of the Rensselaer community with an open space to express themselves in an artistic way.
Field Hockey
Engineers triumph on turf
The Engineers had a phenomenal three-for-three week, outscoring their opponents 18‒1. Liberty League Rookie of the Week Nina Caprio ’25 scored five goals in the three home games to become the team’s leading scorer with six goals.
Women's Hockey
McCutcheon mangles Union
Fresh off a 4‒0 win against Union, the Engineers dominated the match on October 9 with ECAC Rookie of the Week Audrey McCutcheon ’25 leading them to a 9‒2 victory with a hat trick.
FOOTBALL
Engineers continue undefeated season
No. 25 Rensselaer defeated Buffalo State 24‒16, bringing their record to 6‒0 on the season and 2‒0 in the Liberty League.
How Parasite and Squid Game disprove the get-rich-quick myth
Bill Ni ’23 shares his thoughts on why Parasite and Squid Game are so successful and how they reflect on our society’s income inequality.
Bill Ni ’23 shares his thoughts on why Parasite and Squid Game are so successful and how they reflect on our society’s income inequality.
The sin of mental illness
Brandy Opondo ’23 shares the story of her struggle coping with mental illness at a college that vilifies and punishes seeking treatment.
Brandy Opondo ’23 shares the story of her struggle coping with mental illness at a college that vilifies and punishes seeking treatment.
Unvaccinated students to comply with additional COVID-19 restrictions
Assistant Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Travis Apgar presented rules in place for unvaccinated students on campus in front of the Student Senate. Restrictions include more frequent testing, wearing a mask at outdoor events, and following special dining hours.
Senate creates MSFC Liaison position
The Student Senate voted to create the position of Multicultural Sorority and Fraternity Council Liaison, allowing the appointed liaison, Karina Sandoval ’22, to give her report during Senate meetings.
Student representation in the presidential selection process
Grand Marshal Cait Bennett ’22 discusses the three phases of the presidential selection process and how students can get involved.
Getting back to writing
Business Manager John Stotz ’22 reflects on his inactivity in The Poly and explores his inability to finish an article.
Business Manager John Stotz ’22 reflects on his inactivity in The Poly and explores his inability to finish an article.
Union and Mueller Center return to full capacity
The hours of operation for the Union, Mueller Center, Clubhouse Pub, Playhouse, J Building, and Auto Shop have been finalized and will return to full capacity for the Fall semester.
Hockey tickets made free in an Institute first
Rensselaer students, faculty, and staff will be admitted to the stands of the Houston Field House for free, on a first-come first-serve basis, to watch the Engineers battle for victory within the Eastern College Athletic Conference.
What the class of 2025 wants to know
The following are a mix of questions asked by first-year students who participated in The Polytechnic’s Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond event and some we as a staff think every student should know. Student questions were answered in real time and later abridged into this article.
The following are a mix of questions asked by first-year students who participated in The Polytechnic’s Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond event and some we as a staff think every student should know. Student questions were answered in real time and later abridged into this article.
Super protected: a vaccination tale
Public health officials warn of possible side effects, but what if they weren't all negative? The Poly is bringing back comics with graphic artist Habib Nahouta at the helm.
Public health officials warn of possible side effects, but what if they weren't all negative? The Poly is bringing back comics with graphic artist Habib Nahouta at the helm.
Online services to be partially reinstated
Some services dependent on Rensselaer servers will be partially reinstated, starting today. The Learning Management System (LMS) currently works for a limited timeframe. The Student Information System (SIS) only works on campus, and Rensselaer Webmail is not yet running.
Monday, Tuesday finals canceled due to cyberattack
An announcement was posted this afternoon to all of Rensselaer’s social media stating that “all final exams and submissions (e.g., term papers, project reports) scheduled or due for Monday (May 10) and Tuesday (May 11) are cancelled” as a result of the cyberattack on RPI servers that occurred on Friday.
Building the future of The Polytechnic
Journalism is in flux. The traditional newspaper is dead. Revenue from selling advertisements in a printed edition is shrinking. Across the country, smaller newspapers are being bought by national conglomerates, and the staffs that understand local issues better than anyone are being eviscerated to cut costs.
Journalism is in flux. The traditional newspaper is dead. Revenue from selling advertisements in a printed edition is shrinking. Across the country, smaller newspapers are being bought by national conglomerates, and the staffs that understand local issues better than anyone are being eviscerated to cut costs.
